Samuel Musa Gana

Keywords: Cultural diplomacy, sustainable development, conflict resolution, insecurity

Abstract 

This paper analyzes the impact of utilizing indigenous cultural diplomacy as a tool for conflict resolution in Abia State, Nigeria. In recent times, there have been devastating conflicts in south-east Nigeria, including Abia State, where there is heighten insecurity. This paper therefore examines how indigenous cultural diplomacy is appropriated as an active change agent and neutralizer that proffer adequate solutions in conflictual contexts. The paper reviewed secondary data sources. The findings of the paper established that the essence of dispute settlement and conflict resolution in traditional Abia societies includes the removal of the root-cause of the conflict, reconciliation of the conflicting parties, preserving and ensuring harmony, and bringing about a win-win situation to the conflicting parties. The paper concludes that indigenous conflict resolution systems in Abia State are process-oriented, victim-centred and they apply persuasive and reintegrative principles in adjudicating disputes. The paper therefore recommends that conflict resolution strategies for sustainable development in Nigeria should always seek to get into the root causes of conflicts.

Author Biography 

Samuel Musa Gana

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Plot 496 Abogo Largema Str., Central Business District,

Federal Capital Territory, Abuja- Nigeria

musasara81@gmail.com

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